Upon arrival, a female was discovered in the backyard deceased. She has been identified as Edresilda Haan, 58 years old. The Coroner’s Office has determined that her death was the result of a homicide.

A 58 year old male, who also resided in the Sprucedale residence, was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries. He remains in hospital under medical care.

As a result of the explosion, one home was demolished and two other nearby residences received extensive damage. Residents from approximately 16 homes on Sprucedale Crescent were evacuated as a safety precaution.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Kitchener Utilities and Kitchener Waterloo Hydro were on scene monitoring natural gas and hydro to affected homes and there is no threat to neighbouring areas or residents.

As the criminal investigation continues by Waterloo Regional Police, we ask anyone with information to call 519-570-9777 ext. 8419.

Sprucedale Crescent remains closed at this time, and we remind those who do not live in the area to please avoid it to ensure home owners can get through to their residences and to ensure first responders can continue to conduct their investigation.